Word
exhaustion
Phoneticsex·haus·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪɡˈzɔstʃən/
UK/ɛɡzˈɔːstʃən/
Definitions
01extreme tiredness
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the state of being very tired, usually because you have worked too hard or exercised a lot.
n. a state of extreme physical or mental fatigue resulting from prolonged effort or stress.
“After running the marathon, he collapsed on the grass in total exhaustion.”
“The medical staff suffered from profound exhaustion after working double shifts for three consecutive weeks during the health crisis.”
Usage
Uncountable in this sense.
02using something up
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of using all of something so that none remains.
n. the action or state of consuming or using up a resource until it is completely depleted.
“The exhaustion of the world's oil supplies is a major concern for scientists.”
“The rapid exhaustion of the soil's nutrients forced the farmers to invest heavily in expensive synthetic fertilisers.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'of'.
Teaching tip
This sense is more common in academic or environmental contexts than in daily conversation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03creating a vacuum
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Technical · Archaic
n. the process of removing all the air or gas from a container.
n. the process of evacuating a vessel to create a vacuum by removing all internal gases.
“The machine uses the exhaustion of air to seal the plastic bags tightly.”
“The experiment required the complete exhaustion of the chamber to ensure that no air molecules interfered with the particle beam.”
Teaching tip
In modern science, 'evacuation' is more frequently used for this process.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “exhaustion” in context.
Real-World Examples
“After a gruelling count, an atmosphere of deep exhaustion had settled over the room.” “Heat exhaustion is not usually serious as long as you can cool yourself down, but heatstroke is a medical emergency which requires immediate treatment.” “Dr Arif advised: "Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke...” “What should I do if I think someone has heat exhaustion or heatstroke?” Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin exhaustiō, from exhauriō. Surface analysis: exhaust + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/exhaustion